Job title: Salad and Herbs Grower
Location: Kent - Abbey and Northbrook Farm, CT12 4HQ.
Salary range: up to £45,000 plus bonus, pension and benefits.
Shift pattern: Based on farm rota, with high volume hours during peak season.
Contract type: Permanent
Propagation to Harvest.... the vital role of an experienced grower can not be undervalued.
Do you fancy being the go to person for the agronomy of a new business venture? Do you have experience in the growing of whole head salad produce? Want to be part of a high performing farm operation of 288 hectares of land, producing over 3000 tonnes of fresh produce annually?
You are an experienced in the produce sector and want the opportunity to co-develop the growing of a new crop. Your agronomy experience is front and centre here, as we embark on the growth of a new produce to Vitacress, Whole Head Salad. You will have the opportunity to show off your lengthy experience in the growing of these crops, supporting our Farm Manager in the planning and execution of the vision and supervising a small team of harvest workers.
You embrace the outdoors and are a hands on character, your are a completer of tasks and do not shirk the responsibilities associated with cultivating high quality crops. You know the hours may be long at times, but that the reward is high for the work you put in.
The team at Abbey and Northbrook Farm are incredibly supportive and collaborative, your value will be noted and your hard work acknowledged at all times. Last year these farms broke their production records through innovation and ensuring they could maximise the crop volume by using land not ordinarily farmed. The farm has some fantastic technology that enables application of fertilisers and the harvesting of crop. You will have the opportunity to learn how to use this kit, but also maintain it in the off season.
Although this is not a managerial position, the supervision of our Seasonal Workers is high on the agenda. With many of these individuals with us from outside the UK on the Seasonal Workers Scheme, you will have a passion for the welfare and wellbeing of these individuals and use your positive supervisory style to motivate and deliver a positive experience to all workers we welcome to Vitacress.
Your main responsibilities will include, but certainly not limited to:
Manage the production, including agronomy of wholehead, babyleaf and herbs crops.
In conjunction with the UK Senior and Kent Farm Manager, agree production targets for the coming season.
Secure seed and deliver planting program to the plant propagator. Liaise with plant propagator to ensure seedlings are delivered in full and on time to the desired specification.
Ensure all farm inputs are responsibly sourced and to the quality/specification required for salad & herb production.
Communicate any issues to the Farm Manager that may jeopardise the quality and safety of the crop.
Challenge current production systems and strive to deliver quality crop in a more efficient and sustainable manner.Please note that there is no accommodation provided with this position. This is a permanent, full time role and you will need to locate to the area. A farm vehicle is provided for use during working hours and to transport between farms.
If this role interests you and and your are keen to learn more feel free to reach out to me on and I will happily answer any questions. To apply simply hit apply and send us your CV